Key hubs
Ho Chi Minh City airport and railway station
- Airport
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), within the city and around 8 km from the centre; Indian routes have included Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad, so check current schedules
- Railway station
- Saigon station (Ga Sai Gon) on Nguyen Thong Street is the southern end of the North-South railway; there is no rail link with India, and most visitors arrive by air
- Getting around
- Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Xanh SM, metered taxis from reputable companies, buses, and Metro Line 1 from Ben Thanh. Pavements are uneven and motorbikes use them.
How to reach Ho Chi Minh City by air
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is inside the city, about 8 km from the centre and roughly 20 to 40 minutes by road depending on traffic. Indian routes have been listed from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad; confirm current direct flights with airlines.
How to reach Ho Chi Minh City by train
Saigon station (Ga Sai Gon) on Nguyen Thong Street is the southern end of the North-South railway, about 1 km from the centre. There is no rail link with India; domestic trains run to cities along the coast.
How to reach Ho Chi Minh City by road
Long-distance buses link the city with the Mekong Delta, Da Lat and Cambodia, with many services starting near Pham Ngu Lao. Roads out of the city are busy, so allow generous time.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Ride-hailing apps, metered taxis and buses cover most trips. Metro Line 1 runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. Walking is fine in the central area but tiring in the heat.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cross roads slowly and steadily; do not stop or run. Motorbike riders steer round pedestrians who keep a predictable pace.
- Carry travel insurance. Public hospitals are crowded; private hospitals such as FV Hospital are the usual choice for foreigners.
- Keep bags zipped and held on the side away from the road; motorbike snatch theft is a known problem in the central area.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.